Daizen Maeda ramps up Celtic injury fears as forward leaves Parkhead on crutches after Hearts knee 'knock'

Celtic star man Daizen Maeda could be due to spend a bit of time on the treatment table after he was spotted leaving Parkhead on crutches.

The Japanese player was filmed walking with crutches as he left the stadium alongside Reo Hatate following Celtic's 3-1 win over Hearts on Wednesday evening. Maeda levelled the scoring for Ange Postecoglou's side in the 25th minute, however he was forced to come off after clashing with Jambos' keeper Zander Clark when he latched onto a ball from Kyogo Furuhashi.

Parkhead boss Postecoglou revealed in his post-match interview that Maeda picked up a "knock" but he remained optimistic he would be ready to face Hearts at Tynecastle in the Scottish Cup on Saturday lunchtime. The 25-year-old was replaced by Jota during the league clash. The Hoops retained their nine-point lead at the top of the league after Rangers defeated Hibs at Easter Road 4-1.

Following the game Postecoglou spoke to Sportsound and gave an update on Maeda, he said: "It's a knock on the knee. We will just have to see, it's a short turnaround to Saturday so we will just have to see how he is. Hopefully it's nothing too serious."

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